“Operation Special Delivery (or OSD), provides trained volunteer doulas for pregnant women whose husbands or partners have been severely injured or who have lost their lives due to the current war on terror, or who will be deployed , or unable to attend the birth due to military reasons. The doulas that are volunteering are doing so at a pro bono (free) rate, and are doing so by their own discresion.

What is a doula? A doula is specially trained to give informational, emotional, and physical support to women during childbirth. A doula does not perform medical tasks, but is trained to provide uninterrupted support to a mother in labor and during birth.

Why military moms? OSD believes that no one should go through childbirth without support, especially the women who are giving birth while their husbands or partners are making such a great sacrifice for our country and our freedom.”

Information on housing is by far our number one request for information! Before we delve into wait lists, garages and breed restrictions let’s get the basics of the island down. Oahu is broken down into five sections: The North Shore, Windward, South, Central, and Leeward.

The Island of Oahu

North Shore, Windward, South, Central and the Leeward Coast.

Knowing which base you’ll be stationed at and which section of the island will make finding housing, both on base and off, much easier.

Hawaii Red Cross Offers

New Advanced Child Care Training

HONOLULU, HI- May 19, 2014: The Hawaii Red Cross is now offering Advanced Child Care Training, a course for people 16 years and older who are or plan to become nannies, sought-after babysitters or who are caring for keiki for the first time in a residential setting. The course is also a good option for grandparents and other relatives who might want a child care refresher before watching keiki.

“Parents often have a tough time finding good child care, and the Red Cross makes it easier to spot the best sitters,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO, Hawaii Red Cross. “The new Red Cross Advanced Child Care Training course helps people become the best sitter they can by teaching exactly what to do in emergencies and typical child care situations.”

This Red Cross course enables people to learn while having fun by blending tried-and-true information with digital learning techniques. Participants will learn the most common child care routines and behavior along with safety inside and outside of the house. The course also includesPediatric First Aid, CPR and AED training and certification.

The Hawaii Red Cross will hold its next class on Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816. Click here to register, This course requires a completion of two-hour online learning prior to the classroom session. Cost is $129. Upon completion, course takes will receive a two-year certification in both Advanced Child Care Training and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. Advanced Child Care Training is not a licensing program and does not meet all state requirements for child care centers or day care providers.

Parents value a well-trained sitter, as more than 80 percent of parents say they would pay more for a sitter who is trained in CPR, first aid and child care skills, according to a 2012 Red Cross survey.

About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit the Red Cross

Amy Buchanan is a doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology program at Washington State University. She is conducting dissertation research on the effects of deployment stress on marital and non-marital partners of service members. The anonymous web-based survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. In return for your time, you will have the option to be entered into a drawing for 1 of 8 $25 Amazon gift cards.

In order to participate in the study you must be:

At least 18 years old

Currently in a romantic relationship with an active duty service member

Not currently serving in the military yourself

If you are interested in participating in this survey, please follow the link below and use the password listed to access the survey:

“Some days you just need a good ol’ fashion pity party. A few minutes to feel sad, mad and down right bad about your situation. To call your mom, sister or best friend and whine about it. Or cry about it. Or both. Then pour yourself a glass of wine.

So go ahead, kick and scream. Be mad at the world. Question. Curse. Eat some ice cream. Have some cake. Toast to things never going easily.

But don’t allow yourself too much. Get it out and get on with it. Don’t get stuck feeling sorry for yourself. We all knew what we were getting into. We all knew it would be hard (maybe not THIS hard). So have your party then clean up. Sweep up the confetti and pop the balloons. Show your guests to the door.

Deployments are not easy. Just like life is not easy. There are going to be bad days and good ones. Worse days and even better ones. So don’t give up, don’t give in! It will be worth it. My friend, if you’re anything like me you need to hear that again tonight. It will be worth it. All of this. Everything you’re going through. The ups and downs. The trials and tribulations.

Keep loving those kids even when they seem unlovable. Keep writing those emails even when you get none in return. Keep doing the hard stuff. Press on. Even when things don’t go your way. No, especially when things don’t go your way. When everything falls apart.

It will get harder and steeper. When you can barely put one foot in front of the other. When your legs and lungs are burning from climbing the mountain of deployment. But you will come to the summit and look down from where you came and you will see what you’ve overcome and it will be one of the best views you have ever seen.

That day you will be able to say it was worth it. Not today. Not tomorrow. But one day soon.”

“don’t just survive, thrive” -Alana Dawnson

This blog was written by Alana Dawson, and reposted with her permission. Mahalo Alana! Your words are an inspiration, we hope your words find those that need them most! We encourage you all to follow Alana’s blog GetAnchored In, her motto “don’t just survive, thrive” says it all! –Kapolea, 6/11/14

WHAT is Space A?

“Space-A or Space-Available air travel on DoD owned or controlled aircraft. When mission and cargo loads allow, there are often seats made available to eligible passengers. With a little patience and flexibility, you can travel all over the world at almost no cost.” REF: Air Mobility Command

In my personal experience, Space A’ing is an amazing privilege and with the right preparation can be a wonderful experience, not to mention FREE! The BEST flights I have taken have been Space A flights, I look forward to Space A’ing around the world with my husband as retirees! –Kapolea

WHO is permitted to fly Space A?

“Available seats are offered to service members, retirees, certain DoD employees and their eligible family members. Guard and reserve members may also travel Space-A but with restrictions. Eligible family members can travel without their active duty sponsor under certain circumstances, such as Environmental and Morale Leave or when their service member is deployed for more than 120 days.” REF: MilitaryOneSource

Unique to Hawaii and other overseas assignments, Dependents may fly without their sponsors.

…the intent of this program is to afford command sponsored dependents relief from their overseas duty location. Travel is authorized Overseas-CONUS, CONUS-Overseas, and Overseas-Overseas within the same theater. Once your dependent lands in the CONUS, they are no longer authorized to travel Space-A to another destination unless they are manifested on an aircraft that is only transiting the en route CONUS location.” REF: Air Mobility Command

For example: You could fly from JB Hickam-Pearl Harbor into Travis Air Force Base. Unless the flight’s final destination is Lackland Air Force Texas you cannot take another flight from JBHPH to Travis and then on to Lackand. If you’re wanting to get to Texas, you could consider taking any Space A flight to the mainland and then purchasing a commercial flight from there to Texas. In my experience, buying a One way ticket from the mainland to Hawaii, is much less than a round trip ticket or even a one way ticket from Hawaii to the mainland. –Kapolea

Getting Started

Documents You’ll Need:

All Passengers need their Military ID card (if 10 years of age and over)

Dependents less than 10 years old without a Military ID must have proof of age e.g. Birth Cert, Passport or other Govt-issued ID

Active Duty and their Dependents need their current leave form and/or EML orders as applicable

Active Duty Unaccompanied Dependents must have one of the following letters (signed by sponsor’s Commander):

These Letters can be obtained from your spouses Command or Ombudsman. Your Command Sponsored Verification letter is good for 90 days. The date your letter is issued can come into play in regards to making it on a flight. For example: If you and another unaccompanied dependent are both signed up for a flight and there is only one seat, whomever has had the letter first will get the seat. Sample Command Sponsor Letter

Passports – as required by the foreign destination (some foreign countries require at least 6 months left on a passport) you plan to visit or transit based on your citizenship/nationality. Active duty dependents stationed overseas should use their issued “No-Fee/Official Passport” when returning to the overseas station. (For Guam you will need either Passports OR Birth Certificates for all persons traveling)

Does your passport reflect your legal name? If you have changed your name (e.g. recent marriage) you may use your marriage certificate or court documents to “prove” the difference of names on your passport and Identification Cards. However, it is highly recommended you update your passport as soon as the name change occurs. For more info consult theDepartment of State Website.

NOTE: It is YOUR responsibility to verify you have the correct documentation and it’s current for the duration of your trip! REF. SpaceA.net

Signing up for a Space-A flight

In order to fly Space-A, eligible passengers must register (sign up) at the military passenger terminal from which they want to depart. Uniformed service members must be on leave or pass status when they sign up. Registration can be very competitive at some busy terminals, so be sure to sign up as early as you can.

Passenger registration. You can sign up on the terminal’s register up to 60 days in advance. You may sign up for more than one destination and at more than one terminal. When you sign up, make sure you have your military ID and leave papers (if necessary). Some terminals accept fax or email sign up, but procedures vary by terminal. For contact information on military passenger terminals, visit AMC. When you get to your destination, be sure to register for a return flight.

Categories. Once registered, you are assigned a passenger category. These categories determine how seats are assigned. Within each category, passengers are prioritized based on the date and time they registered. Available seats are assigned first to Category I passengers, continuing through the categories until all empty seats are filled.

Category I. Active duty service members and their accompanying families traveling on emergency leave.

Category II. Service members and their accompanying family members traveling on EML. This includes command-sponsored family members who are stationed outside the continental United States.

Category III. Service members and their accompanying families traveling on ordinary leave or reenlistment leave status, and unaccompanied family members of service members deployed 365 consecutive days or more. This category also includes service members and their families on house-hunting leave.

Category IV. Unaccompanied family members on EML orders and eligible family members of service members deployed 120 days or more.

Category V. Students whose sponsor is stationed in Alaska or Hawaii and students enrolled in a trade school within the continental United States when the sponsor is stationed overseas.

Category VI. Retirees and their accompanying family members. This category also includes Guard and reserve members who are traveling within CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories.

In Summary

Once you have your letter, email, fax it or drop it off at the terminal you’re wanting to fly out of and include the destination you’re wanting to fly to.

When you find out there is a flight you’d like to take; either by calling the recorded message or posted on their Facebook page, call or email and request to be put on that list and find out the “Roll Call” time.

At Roll Call, Park in the long term parking lot or have someone wait to see if you make it on the flight and drive your vehicle home. Arrive fully packed and ready to fly out! If you make roll call, immediately head over the the available fax machine and fax your letter to the terminal you are set to arrive at. This will put you “in line” for a flight back to Hawaii.

Next you’ll be sent through security and offered a meal purchase. For approx.$4.50 you’ll be given a sandwich, fruit, drink, and a few snacks. Well worth the money in my opinion!

Once through the gate you’ll wait in the seating area and await an old school bus that will drive you to your aircraft.

Most Space A flights are military crafts and are the bare bones of what you know of commercial flights. Ear plugs will be handed out, I strongly encourage you to use these, especially for children. I usually rip one in half for my infant.

Also, YOU MUST wear closed toe shoes. Once at cruising altitude the crew will let you know that it is ok for you to not only leave your seat, but layout a blanket and stretch out! Many retiree’s bring camping type inflatable mats and sleep very comfortably for the duration of the flight. I highly recommend you bring a sweater, pack baby wipes and/or hand sanitizer.

In Conclusion…

When flying Space A you must consider the very real possibility that it may be an extended wait until you are able to catch a flight back to Hawaii. You should be fully prepared to purchase a commercial flight back to the island if no flights are available. Many people have “lived” in AMC terminals for days, and even weeks waiting for a flight! Thankfully, most have showers, and a USO that can help with basics.

You MUST be flexible & Prepared

You are soley responsible for your travel back to Hawaii.

Again, if you have the time and the cash to get yourself back home I highly encourage you to fly Space A! I wish you the best! Please let us know if you’re successful catching a flight! We’d love to hear about it! –Kapolea, 5/30/14

Boutiki is a non-profit gift shop that has been located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the last 41 years. Customers always find an ever-changing selection of Hawaiian-themed gifts, tropical home décor and unique jewelry at great prices. The shop’s friendly volunteers and staff are comprised of military spouses from all services and of all ranks. Boutiki’s profits are donated to charity annually, and the money stays here on Oahu to benefit our military ohana. Since its inception in 1973, Boutiki has donated more than three quarters of a million dollars back to the community.

Hours, Directions and Information

Boutiki is open 9:00am – 1:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday as well as 1:00pm – 6:00pm on Wednesdays. The store is closed on Thursdays and Sundays.

The store is located at 640 Club Road on Pearl Harbor. From North Road, turn onto Pearl Harbor Blvd (the street where the Chapel and NEX Fleet Store are located), stay to the left at the veer in the road, drive past Scott Pool, Boutiki will be on the left.

Boutiki’s Mission and Structure

Boutiki strives to make a positive impact in the military community. The primary purpose of Boutiki Gift Shop is to generate donations for military and military support charities on Oahu. Boutiki is also honored to provide opportunities for military spouses to sell crafts, volunteer and work, and is delighted to offer shoppers with unique gift and home décor items at good prices.

Boutiki is primarily staffed and operated by volunteers. Volunteers and staff are comprised of spouses from all branches of military services and of all ranks.

Boutiki’s Charitable Giving

Boutiki’s charitable donations support military and military family support organizations on Oahu.

In 1974 Boutiki was just getting started but still donated $100. By 1980 Boutiki had donated more than $56,000 to local military charities. Subsequent years have reflected a large growth in both sales and donations.

Earlier this year Boutiki donated a total of $41,000 among 37 local military support organizations. Recipients included local national organizations such as JBPHH and Kaneohe American Red Cross Centers, USO Hawaii, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, and National Military Family Association. Boutiki also supported local organizations that support military families, such as base school PTOs, booster clubs, band boosters, JROTC Programs, local swim teams and many others.

Since incorporating in 1973, Boutiki has donated more than three quarters of a million dollars to local military support organizations.

Charitable funding request applications are available through February and March each year and donations are awarded each April.

This morning, with baby on my lap and coffee at the ready I happened to see a post by one of HMW’s followers on Facebook. Dianne Gray is currently in the process of PCS’ing here to the island, with her permission I’ve reposted her Facebook Post. –Kapolea

Five years ago Memorial Day was just another day as part of a four day weekend. While living in Washington state, a small group of us took the opportunity to head over to the Olympic Peninsula and spend the weekend camping and hiking before a couple of the guys deployed. We were having a great time, and gave Memorial Day as passing glance.

“What?!” You say.

“You all are military, you’re military spouses, this is YOUR holiday!!”

You know what, you’re right, none of us got it. Little did we know, that 3 months after the camping trip we would all have a better understanding.

The man in the picture, holding his two handsome sons, is John.

Captain John Hallet was the Company Commander of a Army Stryker Unit.

What you don’t see in the picture is who he was, and who you don’t see him holding is his daughter Heidi, whom he never had the opportunity to meet. John was one of the greatest soldiers we have ever met, but he was so much more than just that. He was a father, a husband, a son, a brother, a friend. An incredibly smart guy that always had a smile, a solution, and spreadsheet, ready. Often barefoot, he lived life outside of the box and encouraged you to do the same.

John is the reason I run.

He, and thousands of men and women like him, are why we wear blue: Run To Remember was started. To help us actively remember. To be able to see their faces, and hear their stories, to help military and Civilians alike have a better understanding of what days like Memorial Day really mean.

Will you join me in walking or running on Monday? Will you take those steps for someone else, and not just yourself? I’ll let you borrow my story. I’ll let you know him and run for him, or I can share other stories of other men and women with you. We all have a reason, will you take the opportunity?

“Join us on Memorial Day, May 26th to remember our fallen with a run in their honor. The route will be approximately 4 miles round trip, a turn around point will be available for those who would like to do a shorter distance. This is a casual, family friendly non-timed event so feel free to walk, run, or stroll at your own pace and distance. We look forward to you joining us, please feel free to share and invite others to participate.”